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The Apollo Pavilion is a controversial piece of Public Art in the New Town of Peterlee in County Durham in the North East of England . The structure is also known as the Pasmore Pavilion after its designer Victor Pasmore or by some as 'The Monstrosity'. The Pavilion is made out of reinforced Concrete that was cast in situ. The design is made up of large geometric planes of white concrete, the only decoration being two oval Mural s. The structure spans a small lake that framed a large geometric statue by Pasmore. In its original form, the Pavilion provides a pedestrian link between the two halves of the estate. It is named Apollo as a reference to the optimism of the Apollo Space Program . The Pavilion was immediately the focus of local complaint and a councillor Joan Maslin mounted a campaign against the work. It became a popular hang out for local youths and was victim of Graffiti and Vandalism . When the Peterlee Development Corporation that commissioned the £33,000 work was wound up, the local council refused responsibility for cleaning and repair. As a result the concrete turned grey and began to decay. In 1982 Victor Pasmore met with residents at a public meeting at the pavilion. Pasmore suggested that the graffiti if anything had humanised the piece and suggested that the solution would be not to remove the piece but the disruptive families that were abusing it. It was agreed that the stair access would be blocked off and the structure used for planting. In opposition to the residents' campaign, a friends group was organised by regional artists and cultural leaders. In 1998 English Heritage recommended the structure be given listed status but this was declined by Tony Banks in deference to the local political issue. In 2004 the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead commissioned Jane And Louise Wilson to make a video installation featuring the Pavilion. The future of the Apollo Pavilion remains uncertain. SEE ALSO |
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